Manchester United's best centre-backs in the Premier League era

#3 Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic

Vidic was sent off against arch-rivals Liverpool on four occasions, thrice in consecutive games against the old enemy. The fact that he remains a Manchester United legend and one of the best centre-backs to have graced the Premier League despite that dastardly statistic is a testament to the man's talent.

'He comes from Serbia and he'll murder ya', sang the fans and Vidic always obliged, murdering countless opposition attacks in the process. His biggest assets were his consistency, awareness, strength and his aerial abilities. Praised for his aggressive, no-nonsense defensive style by his Manchester United team-mates, he is highly regarded for his on-the-pitch bravery, playing through several injuries and knocks.

Signed for a meagre sum of £7 million from Spartak Moscow, Vidic was slowly initiated in the Premier League and found settling in England difficult. He then formed one of (if not) the best centre-back partnerships with Rio Ferdinand (next). During his eight and a half seasons at United, he helped the club to 5 Premier League titles, 3 League Cups, 5 Community Shields, the 2008 UEFA Champions League and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. He left United at the end of the 2013-14 season and joined Inter Milan on a free transfer. A season and a half later, with injuries taking its toll on his body, he retired from professional football in January 2016.